Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert speaks out on referees potentially influenced by betting: Its hurting our game
Minnesota Timberwolves player Rudy Gobert recently made headlines after suggesting that sports betting may be influencing NBA referees’ officiating. This claim came after Gobert received a technical foul during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The technical foul was awarded to Gobert after he made a money sign gesture and received his sixth foul, leading to his disqualification from the game. The Cavaliers went on to win in overtime, with Gobert acknowledging that his reaction was immature and may have cost his team the victory.
Gobert expressed his belief that while mistakes are common in games, there are instances when referees’ calls go beyond errors and impact the outcome. Despite expecting to be fined for his comments, the player felt it necessary to speak out about how he perceives sports betting as detrimental to the game.
This dissatisfaction with officiating is not new for Gobert, who has been critical of calls throughout his career. The NBA itself has partnered with sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, but Gobert’s remarks have not yet been addressed by the league office.
In addition to the controversy surrounding Gobert’s comments, the game showcased strong performances from Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland of the Cavaliers, as well as a career-best scoring night for Naz Reid of the Timberwolves. The loss dropped the Timberwolves to second place in the Western Conference, while the Cavaliers remain in a tight race for second in the East.
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